austin

Origin:
English

Meaning:
Great

Though it’s most recognizable as a place name (Austin, Texas), Austin is actually a short form of the medieval Augustine, meaning “great” or “magnificent.” It was a top-10 name in the ’90s, peaking at nine in ’96 and ’97, but has been slowly and steadily slipping ever since. This is one instance where a popular movie character -- Austin Powers, the yucky-toothed international spy -- may have done more harm than good.